Issue - meetings

To consider a report from the Director for Digital, Sustainability & Resources, a copy is attached as item 6.

Before the Committee was a report by the Director for Digital, Sustainability and Resources copies of which had been circulated to all Members and a copy of which is attached to the signed copy of these minutes as Item 6.

The report updated the Joint Strategic Committee on the progress made on the 2021/22 Capital Investment Programmes for Adur District Council, Worthing Borough Council. The programmes included schemes which supported the delivery of services by the Joint Strategic Committee.

A member highlighted the procurement of an irrigation system at Lancing Manor Bowls Club and sought clarification in relation to the virement of budgets between projects. Officers informed Members that it was possible to vire from one budget to another as long as the correct approvals were in place. It was also noted that Adur Council was working closely with the allotments society to identify a whole series of improvements that can be made. However, with time a factor in this spend, it was important to make sure that monies were spent appropriately within a suitable time period. It was therefore felt, that within the broad parameter of open spaces improvements, that the next available scheme was the Lancing Manor Bowls Club. This didn’t mean that the Council won’t be spending in relation to the allotments society but would be working up a plan with them which would be subject to subsequent expenditure.

Clarification was sought in relation to the proposed equipment replacement in the Grafton Car Park and the Hammer Cage replacement for South Downs Leisure (SDL). Officers advised that the Hammer Cage replacement was under the jurisdiction of the Worthing Harriers Athletics Club. The land was leased to SDL who in turn allowed Worthing Harriers Athletics Club to use this space. The use of the cage for hammer and discus throwing needed to be overseen by properly trained coaches which the athletics club was able to provide and manage. In respect of the replacement of equipment in the Grafton Car Park, the key was Health & Safety and ensuring that the car park was safe for the public to use.

The Executive Member for Regeneration acknowledged that the Worthing Rotunda Refurbishment, outlined in para 7.3.3 of the report, was required and that a solution was needed for this work. However, he was disappointed with the proposal to use the Worthing Parades Improvement Budget to fund this work as the Council had given a commitment in 2020 to improve Worthing’s neighbourhood parades. As a result, the Council had drawn down 2 years of money to complete that work with the first phase taking forward the 4 parades at Broadwater, Findon, Goring and out to the Strand. It had always been the intention for there to be a second phase and he did not feel it was the right time to divert funds from the project.

Therefore, it was proposed by Cllr Jenkins and seconded by Cllr Humphreys that the Committee did not approve the refurbishment of the Worthing Rotunda  ...  view the full minutes text for item 34